Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle (Noun)
Meaning
In all plants and animals: a series of enzymatic reactions in mitochondria involving oxidative metabolism of acetyl compounds to produce high-energy phosphate compounds that are the source of cellular energy.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The tricarboxylic acid cycle is a critical component of cellular respiration, producing energy for the cell through the breakdown of acetyl-CoA.
- In all eukaryotic cells, the tricarboxylic acid cycle takes place in the mitochondria and plays a key role in generating ATP, NADH, and FADH2.
- The tricarboxylic acid cycle is also known as the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle, named after the scientist who first described it.
- This process, along with the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is crucial for the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy for the cell.
- During intense exercise, the tricarboxylic acid cycle is upregulated to increase the production of ATP, allowing the muscle cells to meet the energy demands.